Course summary

Media industries and media cultures are constantly changing. Understanding these changes is important as media continuously influence the way we live our lives, get in touch with others, and are informed about the world. As global citizens, we are surrounded by a huge variety of messages, texts, images, and representations communicating a host of competing ideas, opinions, and values. But how much do we really know about how these texts and images are produced and shared? In what contexts do they circulate? How are they are received? Our Media and Cultural Studies programme provides you with preparation for careers in the creative sector, advertising and marketing, and communications and journalism by helping you better understand media practices, platforms, and (audio-visual) texts in an ever-changing technological context. It provides you with the theoretical insights, analytical skills, and wide-ranging knowledge needed to explore the production, consumption, and meaning of media and culture in today’s society. We investigate the social, economic, political, and practical dimensions of media in a global cultural setting, and recognise the key roles of media in shaping who we are, what we think, and what we value. The study abroad option is an exciting and informative experience for anyone who is thinking of working abroad during their career or who simply wants the experience of living and studying overseas as part of their degree. You will study in your third year at one of our international partner universities. This will help you to develop your global outlook, expand your professional network, and gain cultural and personal skills. During your year abroad, you will choose specialist modules relating to your degree as well as other modules from across the host university. Lancaster University will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner university that offers appropriate modules. Occasionally places overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable. If you are not offered a place to study overseas, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent standard 3-year degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster. Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year abroad.